During Sentencing, Homicide Defendant Says She is ‘Immensely Sorry’

By Yani Barrera [former] - September 29, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sept. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced Nijinsky Dix to 18 years incarceration in connection to a homicide.

Dix, 40, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Terry Hickman on November 14, 2020, on the 1000 block 4th Street SW. Hickman sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and the pair was alleged to have been in an intimate relationship.

On February 13, Dix accepted an agreement extended by prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to second-degree murder in exchange dismissing all other charges.

During sentencing, several of Hickman’s family described him as a “bright light”, “great friend”, and “unique person”. 

Hickman’s ex-wife stated “Our world was turned upside down…. you couldn’t accept the fact that someone rejected you”, she directed towards the defendant. 

Hickman’s youngest daughter expressed her grief, regarding the brief time she spent with her father, “I only got to see my dad once in my entire life,” when she was 16. “I thought it was going to be a new chapter of my life,” she cried, saying she had looked forward to getting to know him.

Prosecutors requested Judge Demeo follow the sentencing guideline that parties had agreed on when she pleaded guilty. Defense attorneys agreed with the request. 

Judge Demeo imposed an 18 year sentence and recommended mental health treatment, stating that Dix “does show potential for rehabilitation.”

Family members expressed their disappointment, saying Dix should be imprisoned for life.

“Each word feels powerless and insignificant…I am immensely sorry”, said Dix as she addressed the court.

Judge Demeo also required Dix to register as a gun offender and pay a $100 fine. 

Dix will be transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prison.